Uptown Coffee Shop Makes Laptop Users Sit in the Back

INWOOD — Be warned, keyboard jockeys — your days of hogging seats at one Inwood coffee shop are over.

Darling Coffee has introduced new computer-free seating zones to free up seats and tables and encourage conversation.

The computer-free zones, marked by small "no computers" placards, went into effect on Monday. Darling owner Nick Lidakis said the change became necessary after patrons complained about laptop users clogging up the seating areas.

"Not that I'm going to throw anyone out with a graphing calculator," added Lidakis, who noted that e-ink kindles are okay for use.

Darling is the second uptown coffee shop to limit computer usage. Washington Heights' Taszo Espresso Bar, which opened in May at 5 Edward M. Morgan Pl., has restricted seat hogs to a single communal table in the back of the store from the very beginning.

Taszo owner Haitem Weslati explained the restriction at the time, telling DNAinfo New York he wanted his shop to be a space full of energy and conversation.

Darling's new rules, meanwhile, have had mixed results. Lidakis said while the majority of customers have been understanding of the restriction, some have given him grief.

"I've had to speak to a few people," Lidakis said. "Most of them have been okay. I've gotten a few snippy remarks."

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